Building trails and open spaces requires open minds

From the country to the city, people oppose efforts for trails, bike lanes and open spaces. But in spite of homeowner’s fears, greenways and trails bring both economic and recreational benefits to communities. Even though the value of trails and greenways are well documented, the only way to convince people of these benefits is to persevere and build the greenway.

A recent study prepared by the Economy League of Greater Philadelphia, Econsult Corporation, and Keystone Conservation Trust quantified the value of the open space in a 5-county region in southeastern Pennsylvania, which includes Philadelphia. Around 14% of the region - 300 square miles – is protected as open space or trails.

The study assessed economic benefits in four areas: property values, the environmental services, recreation and health, and jobs. According to the study, open spaced added $16 billion to the value of southeastern Pennsylvania's housing stock, averaging an increase of $10,000 per house. Important environmental services provided by greenways – such as water supply, water quality, flood mitigation, wildlife habitat, air pollution removal, and the sequestration of carbon – were valued at $132 million per year. Recreation in open space helped residents and businesses avoid $800 million annually in medical costs. Additionally, greenways in the region contributed to nearly 7000 jobs and $300 million in annual salaries.

So why doesn’t every community embrace greenways? Surprisingly, proposed greenways are often met with strong opposition. Some homeowners are convinced that a trail – in spite of all the evidence to the contrary – will reduce their property value, increase crime, or put their children at risk. This phenomenon is just as prevalent in rural areas like Kane, PA and cities as large as New York City.

It seems paradoxical that the biggest opposition to greenways and trails come from those who would profit the most. Establishing greenways requires visionary leaders who aren’t swayed by baseless fears. Because once the trail is complete and successful, the loudest supporters are often the same people who were originally adamantly against it.